peopleforbikes Delaware’s Electric Bicycle Law Instructions
- June 9, 2024
- peopleforbikes
Table of Contents
DELAWARE’S ELECTRIC BICYCLE LAW
DELAWARE’S ELECTRIC BICYCLE LAW FOR THE ROAD
» Electric bicycles are regulated like bicycles. The same rules of the road
apply to both electric bicycles and human-powered bicycles.
» Electric bicycles are not subject to the registration, licensing, or
insurance requirements that apply to motor vehicles.
» Delaware designates three classes of electric bicycles:
- Class 1: Bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the electric bicycles reaches 20 mph.
- Class 2: Bicycle equipped with a throttle-actuated motor, that ceases to provide assistance when the electric bicycle reaches 20 mph.
• Class 3: Bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the electric bicycle reaches 28 mph.
» Unless otherwise prohibited by a governmental entity having jurisdiction, a person may operate an electric bicycle on any bicycle lane, path or multi-use path in this state. When in doubt, check with your town, city, or county for local rules and regulations before riding.
» Persons under 16 years of age may not ride a Class 3 electric bicycle, unless as a passenger. All operators of a Class 3 electric bicycle must wear a helmet.
eMTB GUIDELINES
» On federal, state, country and local trails, electric mountain bike (eMTB)
access varies significantly.
» Generally, any natural surface trail that is designated as open to both
motorized and non-motorized uses is also open to eMTBs.
» eMTBs may not be allowed on trails managed for non-motorized activities.
» Do not ride your eMTB in areas where the local rules are unclear. Ride
legally and only on authroized trails to show that mountain bikers are
responsible trail users.
» When in doubt, ask your local land manager about access to specific trails.
Local land rules change frequently.
CHECK OUT
» A map of great eMTB rides at peopleforbikes.org/emtb
» eMTB “Adventures” at peopleforbikes.org/electric-bikes
DELAWARE’S ELECTRIC BICYCLE LAW FOR TRAILS
» LOCAL: Consult your local land management agency.
» STATE: Delaware State Parks does not allow electric bicycles on trails.
Contact the department for the most up to date information. PeopleForBikes is
monitoring this policy and will update this document as needed.
» FEDERAL: On federal lands, eMTBs are considered motorized vehicles and have
access to motorized trails. However, Delaware has minimal federal lands and
fewer, if any, where mountain biking is allowed.
GREAT eMTB RIDES IN DELAWARE
» Lap of the Bays
Rehoboth Beach | 52.5
» Amish Country Gravel Route
Dover | 62 miles
With an electric bicycle, bicyclists can ride more often, farther, and for
more trips.
Electric bicycles are designed to be as safe as traditional bicycles, do not
compromise consumer safety, and benefit bicyclists who may be discouraged from
riding a traditional bicycle due to limited physical fitness, age, disability
or convenience.
In many states, electric bicycles are regulated under antiquated laws
primarily aimed at combustion engine vehicles such as mopeds or scooters.
PeopleForBikes is clarifying state laws governing the use of electric bicycles
in the U.S. Every state’s law is difierent, but the objective is to ensure
that low-speed electric bicycles are regulated similarly to traditional,
human-powered bicycles.
Learn more at PeopleForBikes.org /electric-bikes
» Blogs and webinars
» Electric bicycle laws around the country
» Electric bicycle statistics and research
» Buying guide
» Retailer materials
» eMTB management resources
References
- PeopleForBikes | Every ride. Every rider. Join us.
- Electric Bikes | PeopleForBikes
- EMTB Map - Electric Bikes | PeopleForBikes